Details

Hallsteads is an unusual site consisting of a flat-topped rise between two
narrow valleys. A dam built to the west of the rise, across the confluence of
the valleys, has created a moat to north and south while a bank and ditch
encloses the site to the east. Within the enclosure, c.120m across, the
hillside has been scarped to provide a roughly circular inner enclosure. In
the past this carried a stone wall, the remains of which have been located
during ploughing and stone from which litters the northern arm of the moat.
Writing in 1831, Hunter states "there were lately those who remembered walls
of four or five feet in height, and as much in thickness" indicating that a
substantial stone-built building once inhabited the summit. In addition,
running eastward off the north arm of the moat for c.150m is a line of three
or four linear fishponds, divided by dams and created by embanking the natural
stream line. All modern features within the constraint area, including
hedging, fencing and a disconnected telegraph pole, are excluded from the
scheduling although the ground beneath is included.

MAP EXTRACT
The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract.
It includes a 2 metre boundary around the archaeological features,
considered to be essential for the monument's support and preservation.

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

Around 6,000 moated sites are known in England. They consist of wide ditches,
often or seasonally water-filled, partly or completely enclosing one or more
islands of dry ground on which stood domestic or religious buildings. In some
cases the islands were used for horticulture. The majority of moated sites
served as prestigious aristocratic and seigneurial residences with the
provision of a moat intended as a status symbol rather than a practical
military defence. The peak period during which moated sites were built was
between about 1250 and 1350 and by far the greatest concentration lies in
central and eastern parts of England. However, moated sites were built
throughout the medieval period, are widely scattered throughout England and
exhibit a high level of diversity in their forms and sizes. They form a
significant class of medieval monument and are important for the understanding
of the distribution of wealth and status in the countryside. Many examples
provide conditions favourable to the survival of organic remains.

Hallsteads is an important and unusual example of its class and possesses a
particularly fine set of associated fishponds. In addition, although being
damaged by ploughing, building and wall foundations survive on the island and
organic material will be preserved in the waterlogged areas of the moat.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Books and journals
Hunter, J, South Yorkshire , (1831)
Watson, M R, Harrison, M, Brereley - A History of Brearley, (1976)

Source: Historic England